Aberdeen City Wide BioBlitz 2026

Discover Nature. Record Wildlife. Be Part of Something Big.

With a central hub of activity at The James Hutton Institute (Airyhall) and guided walks happening across the city, this is your chance to step outside, get hands-on with nature and help build a clearer picture of Aberdeen’s incredible biodiversity.

What is a bioblitz?

A BioBlitz is a focused period of time (usually 24 hours) where people work together to record as many species of wildlife as possible in a specific area.

It’s a mix of science, discovery and outdoor fun, bringing together experts and beginners alike to uncover the wildlife that surrounds us every day but often goes unnoticed.

 Why Are BioBlitzes Important?

Every record matters. By taking part, you are helping to:

• Build a better understanding of biodiversity across Aberdeen
• Identify important habitats and species
• Support conservation and environmental decision-making
• Create valuable data that informs future projects
• Inspire people to connect with nature and protect it

Aim of our BioBlitz

The goal is simple:

• Collect as much biological data as possible across Aberdeen City and raise awareness of local biodiversity.

Every observation, photograph and record contributes to a growing picture of nature in the city.

Who Can Get Involved?

Everyone is welcome!

Whether you are:

• A complete beginner
• A keen wildlife enthusiast
• A family looking for a fun day out
• A student or researcher
• A local group or organisation

There is something for you.

No specialist knowledge is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to explore.

What’s Happening on the Day?

Main Hub – The James Hutton Institute. 10:00 – 16:00

• Drop-in activities from 10:00 to 16:00
• Species identification support
• Data recording help
• Meet experts and fellow nature enthusiasts
• Live updates on discoveries throughout the day

 Guided Walks Across the City

Join organised walks led by knowledgeable guides at various locations across Aberdeen to help you discover and record wildlife in different habitats from parks and riversides to coastal areas and urban greenspaces.

More information about these walks to come soon. 

• 11:00 – 13:00 – Wildflower Workshop with Curam Fyvie at the James Hutton Institute. Due to limited spaces, book your place here.
• Dusk – Mammals – Seals, badgers & bats with North East Scotland Mammal Network along the River Don. Booking information to follow soon.

Do I have to attend a walk or a drop-in session to submit my records?

Definitely not! A bioblitz can occur anywhere, including your own garden or community greenspace. We’d love for you to collect data in your own space and submit it to us.

How to Submit Your Records

Your sightings count!

You can submit your data in two ways:

• Online: Upload your records directly to NESBReC using their online recording form or downloadable and printable Excel recording sheet.
• In Person: Visit The James Hutton Institute hub to hand in your records and see how the data collection is progressing throughout the day
• Using a phone app: You can submit records via iRecord. You need to register and make sure your privacy settings are CC-BY or CC-0 in the settings. Watch this video to learn more. 

Working Together

This event is being delivered in collaboration NESBiP, North East Scotland Biological Records Centre (NESBReC), Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service

BioBlitzes can happen anywhere, including a kirkyard! © Ian Talboys

Park such as St Fittick’s can also be part of BioBlitzes © Francesca Clair

Be Part of the Bigger Picture

From the smallest insects to the tallest trees, every species recorded helps tell the story of Aberdeen’s natural environment.

Join us, explore your local area and help uncover the biodiversity on your doorstep.